Deciding on a contractor and moving ahead with a renovation, addition or new home build can be confusing and stressful. We believe in providing as much information as possible and encourage our customers and perspective customers to ask questions.

FAQ

Is Ranney + Rimington licensed and insured?

Yes! Both owners, Alex Ranney and Patrick Rimington hold unlimited building licenses. We are insured with full liability and workmen’s compensation insurance and can provide certificates upon request.

Do you have references?

Yes! Many references are available upon request for the type of work you are considering. We also invite you to check out our Testimonials page.

Do you do background checks on our employees?

Yes! We check each and every employee for possible criminal records.

Does Ranney + Rimington have their own employees or use sub contractors?

Both. We directly employ a team of dedicated professionals whom have been a part of the Ranney + Rimington ‘family’ for many years. We also work with a limited number of subcontractors that are experts in certain aspects of construction and remodeling work (electric, plumbing, tile installation, wallboard/plaster, foundations, masonry, etc). We are very particular about who we bring on to complete a project. We have been working with the same subcontractors for so long that we consider them fully a part of the Ranney + Rimington team. We only work with subcontractors that are licensed (as necessary for their field) and insured.

What is the advantage of hiring general contractor such as Ranney + Rimington?

Ranney + Rimington is a full service general contractor. This means that we are able to organize and direct every aspect of your building/remodeling project. The advantage of this is that you only need to deal with one entity – Ranney + Rimington – and can rely on our excellent communication and organization for every step of your job. In addition, Ranney + Rimington stands behind the work of all the professionals that we use and assures that the work is properly warrantied. We also are able to obtain discounted rates for many facets of a project – savings that we are able to pass along to the homeowner.

When is a building permit required?

Most work on your home requires a building permit including new construction windows, siding, trim and new roof work; any change in living space in your home that requires framing, insulation or gypsum wallboard work; decks, porches or any structure attached to your home. Nearly all plumbing and electrical work also require permitting.

Simple repairs or cabinetry, shelves, flooring, custom built-ins and some window and door replacements within existing openings typically do not require a building permit.

We are very experienced with the building permit process and will handle all the details. Over the years we have developed excellent relationships with the building departments of nearly every town. Keep in mind that although it is a sometimes time consuming process, the building codes are designed to keep you safe and protect your investment.

Can you complete the work to our home over the winter / while I am living elsewhere?

Yes! With the advantage of IT tools and digital devices it is easier than ever to keep you fully informed of all the work that is being done. Good planning and excellent communication is the key. We regularly use FaceTime, Skype, digital photos, email, text messaging and of course phone calls to make sure you are as involved in your project from afar as you want to be and to insure an amazing finished outcome that will be ‘turn-key’ when you return to the Cape.

How do you finish my basement in a way that follows building code?

As with any renovation or adding of living space we need to file a permit and follow the current codes. Some basic requirements any basement needs are a proper egress (exit), ventilation that equals at least 4% of the finished living space (excluding closets or bathrooms) and all other basic codes such as the IECC (insulation) codes. If you want to add a bedroom there needs to be an additional egress directly from the bedroom to the outside and an additional smoke detector. Let us help you with a complimentary consultation to meet all the requirements for your new basement to make it affordable and safe.

What is the difference between a new replacement window and a new construction window?

For those on a tight budget it may seem that new replacement windows are a smart and affordable choice – if you believe all the advertising. We feel it is the most commonly misrepresented option to homeowners. A new replacement window only replaces the sashes and tracks to your existing frame.

Although they look good and for the most part seal well, they do not classify as a new window and the entire older frame that is actually attached to the frame of your house remains the same. This is the part of the window that has the potential to rot, which would be hidden from view and eventually fail. If you were to sell there is no doubt that any astute buyer will either notice or be told by a home inspector the windows are not new but only repaired with replacement windows. So our advice is to always buy new construction windows with the entire frame. Depending on the type of new construction window you choose they can often be very close to the same price as the replacement units.

What is the difference between vinyl and wood windows?

Vinyl windows are a good choice if they fit in the overall continuity of your home and budget. They are maintenance free for the most part and very affordable. Most people do prefer the look of a wooden window and a wood window does feel more substantial when opening and closing if it is a double hung window. The action of sliding them up and down is easy because the tracks don’t pinch as they sometimes do with vinyl windows or sliders.

What is the best decking materials to use?

The deck frame is always pressure treated but there is a variety of materials available for the top decking material. Most of our clients prefer composite material, if their budget allows, because they are maintenance free and comes in a variety of colors usually with white composite rail sections. Of course as custom carpenters we are partial to real wood and often suggest using mahogany or IPE decking that lasts many many years. Basic pressure treated decking is the most cost effective and is very durable. It comes down to budget or what specific look you want for your outdoor living space.